About Collegiate Peaks
Number of accommodations: 44
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Sites & Availability
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Site Details
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44 Sites Available
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Reviews (267)
What Guests Are Saying
Collegiate Peaks is a beautiful, well-maintained campground near Buena Vista, offering large, private sites and exceptionally clean restrooms. Visitors enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, proximity to hiking trails and hot springs, as well as the presence of wildlife. While some sites may not be level and there were occasional issues with water quality and host availability, the overall experience remains positive, with many campers eager to return.
What Guests Are Saying
Collegiate Peaks is a beautiful, well-maintained campground near Buena Vista, offering large, private sites and exceptionally clean restrooms. Visitors enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, proximity to hiking trails and hot springs, as well as the presence of wildlife. While some sites may not be level and there were occasional issues with water quality and host availability, the overall experience remains positive, with many campers eager to return.
Review Summary
Sarah B
VerifiedJuly 18, 2023 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: COLL
Camp hosts were amazing, kind, and helpful. Bathrooms were kept very clean and they had plenty of firewood.
Cynthia S
VerifiedJuly 13, 2023 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: COLL
This is my favorite camping ground yet. The host was very professional. The bathrooms were extremely clean, hand sanitizer, air freshers were added as well. We started in campsite #14 which was nice. We changed to a FF #20 the next night and really loved being next to the creek.
Jeanne S
VerifiedJuly 13, 2023 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: COLL
We stayed a couple of nights in mid-June. The campground had a lot of empty spots, possibly due to the chilly weather. Our campsite was beautiful, set up in the woods. The nearby pit toilet was very clean. We enjoyed walking around the campground and seeing the little stream that runs through. Camp hosts were nice, we bought firewood and they gave us some local information. Burns Vista is a short drive away; one night we went to the Comanche Drive In, which was so fun. We also went to the Cottonwood Hot Springs nearby. The best part, though, was as we were packing up to leave, I looked up and four moose were walking just past our campsite. We stood very still and quiet and watched them go by. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a quiet place to camp in the mountains.
Jennifer V
VerifiedJuly 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 035, Loop: COLL
We love this campground. The hosts are very good!
Porter D
VerifiedJuly 7, 2023 • Stayed at: C, Loop: COLL
Perfect camp spot. Everyone respectful and nice and quiet at bedtime!
Katherine T
VerifiedJuly 7, 2023 • Stayed at: 035, Loop: COLL
Lovely campground. I couldn’t get by the river ( even 6 months in advance) but I had a large, private site. Had a lovely time. Absolutely NO cell signal though, to let people know you arrived safely. Guess that’s camping!
Benjamin S
VerifiedJuly 6, 2023 • Stayed at: 040, Loop: COLL
The campground is easy to access, and in a great location. We stayed at site M, but most of the sites looked like they would be great. The camp hosts were amazing and accommodating. They even gave me a great recommendation for a tire repair shop down in Buena Vista for a flat I got during our trip to the campground. I highly recommend staying here and we'll plan to do so in the future.
Jim H
VerifiedJuly 5, 2023 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: COLL
We had a great time and loved this campground! Be sure to properly acclimate to the altitude if necessary.. I think it's 9800'
Donna M
VerifiedJuly 5, 2023 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: COLL
Hosts were the best. Huge site with some seclusion. Bathrooms were the cleanest I've ever seen at a primitive campground. Stayed 3 nights but will make it longer next time. Lots of local hikes and other activities.
Melinda C
VerifiedJuly 4, 2023 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: COLL
We love this campground! The sites are spread out a bit and offer opportunities to be in the trees by the creek that runs through the area or in the aspen groves with views of the mountains. It is close to great hiking trails such as the Denny Creek Trail that leads up to Brown's Pass or Mt. Yale as well as the Ptarmigan Lakes Trail and many others. The views at the top of Cottonwood Pass can't be beat! And it's a short drive back into Buena Vista to access good restaurants or to hang out by the river watching the kayakers doing their tricks in the rapids.
Location Collegiate Peaks
Address:
Salida Ranger District Office
Salida, CO, 81201
United States
From Buena Vista, Colorado, take Highway 306. At the stoplight, go west for 11 miles
toward Cottonwood Pass. Campground is located on the left-hand side of the
road. Highway 306 is paved on east side of Cottonwood Pass.
Latitude & Longitude: 38.8131 / -106.315
Elevation: 3013 feet
Policies & Rules
| Category | About |
|---|---|
| General |
Please disinfect waders and boots when fishing in beaver ponds; this will help protect endangered toads from the spread of chytrid fungus |
| General |
Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating |
| General |
This is a high elevation facility; please use caution when traveling from lower elevations |
| General |
No hookups available |
| General |
Click here for more information on Pike and San Isabel National Forests |
| General |
Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing organisms by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org. |
| General |
If reservations are not available, some campsites are first come-first served, also called "Walk-up" sites. First-come, first-served sites must be occupied the SAME NIGHT they are paid for. Due to the remote nature of campgrounds, calling to check availability prior to arrival is not possible. |
| General |
About 15 minutes from the Collegiate Peaks campground is Cottonwood Lake Campground, a first come-first served, no reservation facility which is located on County Road 344. It is a very popular site for campers, as well as anglers. Campsites fill up quickly on weekends. Camping and campfires are restricted in on County Rd 344 to developed campgrounds only. Starting at about 1 mile west of Cottonwood Lake campground dispersed, primitive camping is allowed. |
| General |
Two vehicles or one RV/Trailer and tow vehicle per site is included in the camping fee. $10.00 for a third vehicle. |
| General |
Firewood is available for sale at host site for $10.00/bundle. |
